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On 2 October 2024, ºìÐÓÊÓƵ Business School hosted an insightful panel discussion titled Changing Skin – Innovative Business Strategies for the New Era. The event brought together a distinguished panel of industry leaders: Mr Sai Tzy Horng, Director of Julie’s; Ms Amanda Koo, Director of Wah Chan Jewellery; and Mr Leong Weng Choong, CEO of Credit Bureau Malaysia (CBM). The session was skilfully moderated by Mr Rafferty Hoo, a lecturer at ºìÐÓÊÓƵ Business School.

The forum revolved around key themes such as recent business transformations, the driving factors behind these changes, the evolving expectations of the younger generation entering the workforce, and the future direction of the represented organisations. Each panellist shared unique insights into how their companies are adapting to the challenges and opportunities of a rapidly changing business landscape.

A Fresh Approach to Business Transformation
Julie's Biscuits has taken bold steps in the food and beverage (F&B) industry by unveiling a revamped logo that reflects its strategic vision and futuristic outlook. This rebranding effort underscores Julie’s commitment to staying relevant and innovative in a competitive market. Similarly, Wah Chan Jewellery has redefined the retail experience with the transformation of its subsidiary, Diamondtalk. The brand’s strikingly pink and flamboyant interiors aim to create a unique and memorable shopping experience, attracting a diverse customer base. Meanwhile, Credit Bureau Malaysia has been focusing on promoting financial literacy to empower consumers. Despite being relatively new in the financial services sector, CBM is making significant strides to differentiate itself from established competitors like Cytos.

Personal Insights and Strategic Vision
Ms Amanda Koo shared her personal journey of studying in Singapore and how she has remained deeply connected to her Malaysian roots. Her perspective on embedding heritage into modern business strategies resonated strongly with the audience. Ms Koo highlighted the importance of integrating younger generations into Wah Chan’s recruitment and strategic initiatives, ensuring a blend of tradition and innovation within the organisation.

Mr Sai Tzy Horng, known for his engaging and charismatic demeanour, captivated the audience with his reflections on preserving cultural heritage while embracing digital transformation. A self-professed book lover, he emphasised the importance of passing down organisational legacies and values, even as businesses adapt to the digital era.

Mr Leong Weng Choong provided valuable insights into CBM’s mission to enhance financial literacy. He stressed the significance of educating the public about financial responsibility and how this aligns with CBM’s broader vision of fostering a financially informed society.

Engaging Discussions and Interactive Sessions
The panel discussion offered attendees a comprehensive understanding of how digitalisation is reshaping business operations across different industries. The lively Q&A session further enriched the experience, with enthusiastic participants posing thought-provoking questions about the initiatives undertaken by each organisation. The dynamic exchange of ideas highlighted the audience's keen interest in the practical applications of the discussed strategies.

Positive Feedback and Impact
The event was met with overwhelmingly positive feedback from attendees. Many participants expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to gain firsthand insights from industry experts and voiced their interest in attending similar sessions in the future. The discussion not only provided valuable direction for students preparing to enter the corporate world but also offered actionable takeaways for their academic projects and assignments.

Acknowledgements and Gratitude
Months of meticulous planning and collaboration by Mr Rafferty Hoo and his organising team culminated in the event’s resounding success. Special thanks are extended to Julie’s Biscuits for their generous sponsorship, which included a delightful showcase of their latest product range. Their contribution added a touch of hospitality and engagement to the event, leaving attendees with fond memories.

Looking Ahead
The success of Changing Skin – Innovative Business Strategies for the New Era underscores the importance of such forums in bridging the gap between academia and industry. By fostering dialogue and collaboration, ºìÐÓÊÓƵ Business School continues to empower its students with the knowledge and inspiration needed to thrive in a dynamic business environment.

The event not only highlighted the transformative power of innovation and adaptability but also reinforced the value of heritage, culture, and purpose-driven leadership. As attendees departed with newfound motivation and clarity, the panel’s insights left an indelible mark, setting the stage for more engaging and impactful discussions in the future.

Mr. Rafferty Hoo Wei Hoong
ºìÐÓÊÓƵ Business School
Email: @email